Vancouver Whitecaps FC finalize 2013 preseason plans

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed today the 2013 preseason schedule in preparation for the club’s third season in Major League Soccer.

Whitecaps FC players will report for preseason in Vancouver on January 20 before leaving for a 10-day camp at the Grande Sports World complex in Casa Grande, Arizona, on Monday, January 28. Vancouver will take part in friendlies against New England Revolution on Tuesday, January 29, at 5 p.m. PT at Grande Sports World in Casa Grande and Houston Dynamo on Saturday, February 2, at 5 p.m. PT at Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona.

Vancouver then head east to South Carolina for the 2013 Carolina Challenge Cup, with all tournament matches to be played at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina. Following the ‘Caps opening tournament match against hosts and United Soccer Leagues Professional Division side Charleston Battery at 4:15 p.m. PT on Saturday, February 16, head coach Martin Rennie and his squad will step away from tournament action to play a friendly against College of Charleston on Sunday, February 17, at 2 p.m. PT at Patriots Point Athletics Complex. Whitecaps FC will then wrap up the Carolina Challenge Cup against MLS rivals Houston Dynamo at 2 p.m. PT on Wednesday, February 20 and Chicago Fire at 2 p.m. PT on Saturday, February 23.

The preseason tour is rounded off by a return visit to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, for a friendly against North American Soccer League side Carolina RailHawks, on Sunday, February 24. Last year the two sides battled to a 2-2 draw, with Rennie’s former club ultimately winning on penalties.

Following preseason, Whitecaps FC will return to Vancouver to prepare for MLS First Kick against Toronto FC on Saturday, March 2.

Whitecaps FC 2013 MLS season tickets start at $349, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, including Pitchside Club and suites, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

Uniglobe Vision Travel is happy to work with you to coordinate your custom travel needs. As a bonus, book your Carolina Challenge Cup travel now and receive a $50 gift certificate that can be used toward future travel bookings. Call Uniglobe Vision Travel at 604.677.1495. Uniglobe Vision Travel is the Official Travel Services Provider to Vancouver Whitecaps FC.